Purchase of Airboat, Engine, and Trailer

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking to procure a heavy-duty 16-foot aluminum airboat package through Bid #25-422DNR-RESCO-B-45916, which includes a complete system consisting of hull, engine, and trailer for use by Wildlife Biologists. The procurement requires a marine LSX engine with a minimum of 525 horsepower, a specialized hull construction with a propeller guard, seating for four occupants, and comprehensive safety features. Vendor qualifications include being a recognized wholesaler/retailer of boat products and working with a licensed airboat manufacturer that has at least three consecutive years of experience and a minimum production of fifty airboats annually. All equipment must be newly manufactured, with no remanufactured or reconditioned components allowed. The bid evaluation will be based on the lowest line item price among responsive and responsible bidders, with bids required to remain firm for 90 days from opening. Delivery of the airboat must be completed by June 30, 2025, and the contract includes a requirement for manufacturer training of two operators at the vendor's facility. The original solicitation was cancelled due to non-responsive or unreasonably priced initial bids.

The procurement does not explicitly confirm a small business set-aside, though the vendor instructions indicate that if such a designation is made, bidders must be registered with the Illinois Small Business Set-Aside Program. Vendors must complete and submit an Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG) Active Registered Vendor Disclosure form, which requires detailed disclosures including ownership information, potential conflicts of interest, and current/pending state contracts. The contract may be partially or totally funded with federal funds, though specific funding amounts are not detailed. No bid bond or performance bond is required for this procurement. The vendor must provide comprehensive warranties, including a lifetime warranty on hull structure, a five-year metal work warranty, a two-year polymer warranty, a three-year engine warranty, and a one-year warranty on drive unit and manufacturer accessories. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement represents a significant investment in specialized marine equipment for the IDNR's wildlife management operations.